Trump urges restraint as Israel and Iran pause attacks and peace negotiations continue

A fragile pause in hostilities between Israel and Iran has exposed growing tensions between two of the region’s closest allies after United States President Donald Trump reportedly warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that further military action could leave Israel increasingly isolated.

The warning came as both Israel and Iran announced a temporary halt to attacks following their most serious confrontation since a ceasefire took effect in April.

According to reports, Trump has become increasingly frustrated with renewed military exchanges that threaten ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at securing a broader peace agreement.

In an interview with Axios, Trump revealed details of a private conversation with Netanyahu.

He said he warned the Israeli leader to proceed carefully, suggesting that continued escalation could result in Israel finding itself on its own.

The comments represent one of Trump’s strongest public messages directed at Netanyahu since efforts to stabilise the region intensified.

Trump also used his Truth Social platform to call on both sides to stop firing and allow negotiations to continue. He expressed hope that final talks could move forward successfully, provided further military actions did not derail the process.

The latest flare-up began after Israeli strikes targeted Lebanon’s capital, Beirut.

Iran, which has repeatedly linked progress in its negotiations with Washington to developments in Lebanon, responded by launching missiles towards northern Israel.

The exchange quickly raised concerns that months of diplomatic work could unravel.

Reports indicate that Trump personally contacted Netanyahu on Sunday evening and urged him not to retaliate.

Despite that request, Israeli forces carried out strikes inside Iran early the following day.

Israeli military operations reportedly targeted Iranian air defence systems and a petrochemical facility. Iran responded by striking a similar facility in Haifa and targeting two Israeli airbases.

Many of the missiles were intercepted before reaching their intended targets.

Despite the intensity of the exchange, no deaths were reported on either side.

The violence complicated efforts by Washington to bring an end to a conflict that has dominated regional politics for months.

While a ceasefire introduced in April significantly reduced hostilities, periodic flare-ups have continued to threaten its stability.

Netanyahu defended Israel’s actions during a televised address.

He stated that Israel retains the right to defend itself and insisted the country would continue responding whenever necessary.

The Israeli leader also warned that any future attacks from Iran would trigger a forceful response.

At the same time, Israeli officials sought to minimise suggestions of a major disagreement between Washington and Jerusalem.

Yechiel Leiter dismissed reports of serious tensions, describing the situation as a disagreement between close partners rather than a breakdown in relations.

Iran, meanwhile, placed responsibility for the latest escalation on the United States.

Esmaeil Baghaei argued that Washington bears responsibility because of its involvement in ceasefire negotiations and wider regional security arrangements.

Iranian officials maintained that actions affecting the Strait of Hormuz, Lebanon or other parts of the region directly influence ongoing talks.

Despite the renewed violence, diplomatic efforts remain active.

Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran remains committed to negotiations, while Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations expressed optimism that discussions with Washington could soon produce results.

Pakistan continues to serve as an intermediary between the two sides, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif describing efforts to secure a peaceful solution as ongoing and intensive.

Meanwhile, violence continues elsewhere in the region.

Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon reportedly caused multiple casualties, while Yemen’s Houthi movement announced further measures targeting Israeli interests.

The latest developments underline how fragile the current ceasefire remains.

Although negotiations continue and leaders publicly support diplomacy, a single escalation still has the potential to derail progress and push the region back towards wider conflict.